“`html

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe. Imagine fork-tender chunks of juicy chuck roast slowly braised in a savory onion soup and brown gravy sauce, infused with just a touch of tangy apple cider vinegar. Served ladled over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of warm garlic bread, this dish is a cozy, satisfying classic that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and invites everyone to gather ’round the table for seconds. It’s the perfect blend of effortless cooking and homestyle goodness that will quickly become one of your go-to family favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with several dark red raw beef chunks with visible texture sits slightly to the left. Below it, another white bowl holds creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth but slightly lumpy texture. To the right, three slices of white bread are stacked neatly on a white marbled surface. Above the bread, on a small wooden board, there is a small clear glass bowl with dark brown liquid, a square glass bowl with light yellow cubes of butter, a small clear glass bowl with light brown granules in honey-colored liquid, and another small clear bowl with dark brown sauce. The background is a white marbled surface with the wooden board adding contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a luscious balance of flavors and textures—tender beef, savory gravy, tangy notes, and comforting sides that round out the meal perfectly.

2 to 3 lbs beef chuck roast: The star of the show, chuck roast becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked.
1 packet onion soup mix: Adds robust onion flavor and seasoning that deepens the gravy’s richness.
1 packet brown gravy mix: Creates a silky, savory sauce that envelops the beef perfectly.
¼ cup apple cider vinegar: Tenderizes the meat while adding a subtle, bright tang to balance the richness.
4 cups prepared mashed potatoes: A creamy, comforting base to soak up all that delicious gravy.
6 to 8 slices prepared garlic bread: The ideal warm, buttery accompaniment to scoop up every last bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into large chunks about 2 to 3 inches in size. Keeping the pieces uniform helps them cook evenly and ensures no small bits turn dry or overcooked. This upfront prep is key for a melt-in-your-mouth texture later.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Place the beef chunks into your slow cooker, then evenly sprinkle the onion soup mix and brown gravy mix on top. These seasoning packets build a rich foundation, infusing the beef with layers of deep, savory flavor as it cooks slowly over time.

Step 3: Add Liquid

Next, pour ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar over the meat and seasonings. This ingredient not only helps tenderize the beef but also adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness, making every bite balanced and delightful.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking melts connective tissues and turns the chuck roast into fork-tender goodness that simply falls apart. Resist the urge to lift the lid—patience here pays off with perfectly cooked beef.

Step 5: Prepare the Sides

About 30 minutes before serving, heat your mashed potatoes according to package instructions and warm the garlic bread. The comforting softness of the potatoes and crispy, buttery garlic bread complete this dish perfectly.

Step 6: Serve Your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

Spoon generous portions of the slow-cooked beef and luscious gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes, then serve alongside garlic bread. This is the moment where simple ingredients transform into a heartwarming feast everyone will crave.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

A white bowl filled with two main layers: on the left side, creamy mashed potatoes with a slightly smooth texture topped with chopped green herbs; on the right side, a rich brown stew made of tender chunks of beef and visible pieces of cooked onions, all covered in a shiny brown sauce and garnished with more chopped green herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh pop of color and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. This little touch brightens the plate and adds a lovely herbal note that complements the savory richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Beyond the classic mashed potatoes and garlic bread, steamed green beans or roasted carrots work wonderfully. Their natural sweetness and texture contrast provide a delicious balance to the hearty beef and gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering the beef and gravy over creamy polenta instead of mashed potatoes, or serve everything in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic, cozy experience. Little tweaks like these keep this classic recipe fresh and exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Separate the beef and gravy from the mashed potatoes before freezing for best results. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickens too much. Stir occasionally to warm evenly. Mashed potatoes reheat well with a little butter and milk to refresh their creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use beef stew meat or bottom round roast. Just keep in mind texture and cooking times may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

No worries! You can substitute with white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even beef broth. The acidic component helps tenderize the meat, so a splash of anything mildly acidic will do the trick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Prepare it fully, refrigerate, and then reheat gently before serving.

How do I know when the beef is done?

When the beef shreds easily with a fork and is fork-tender throughout, it’s ready. Slow cooking usually brings the internal temperature well above 145°F, which is perfect for tender, juicy results.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Definitely. The cooked beef and gravy freeze well for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the texture tender and the flavors vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like the comfort and warmth of this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe to brighten up any day. With minimal prep and your slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, you end up with a dinner that feels like a big, delicious hug. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend meal, this recipe delivers satisfying, mouthwatering results everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

“`

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 6 reviews

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting, tender beef chuck roast cooked slowly with onion soup and brown gravy mixes, served over creamy mashed potatoes and warm garlic bread. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers restaurant-quality, melt-in-your-mouth beef perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Beef and Sauce

2 to 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks (2–3 inches)
1 packet onion soup mix
1 packet brown gravy mix
¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Sides

4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
6 to 8 slices prepared garlic bread

Instructions

Prepare the beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into large, uniform chunks about 2-3 inches in size to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking of smaller pieces.
Add seasonings: Place the beef chunks in the slow cooker and evenly sprinkle the onion soup mix and brown gravy mix over the meat.
Add liquid: Pour the apple cider vinegar over the beef and seasonings. This acidic liquid helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tang to the flavors.
Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Prepare sides: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the mashed potatoes according to package instructions and warm the garlic bread until crispy and hot.
Serve: Spoon the tender beef and savory gravy over individual portions of mashed potatoes, and serve alongside warm garlic bread for a complete comforting meal.

Notes

Cut beef into larger chunks to avoid overcooking; the meat will naturally break apart as it cooks.
Optional: Brown the beef chunks in a skillet before slow cooking for extra flavor.
For thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Do not lift the slow cooker lid unnecessarily to avoid heat loss and extended cooking time.
Substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or beef broth if unavailable.
Use reduced-sodium soup and gravy mixes for a lower sodium version or create your own seasoning blend with onion powder, garlic powder, and herbs.
The dish improves in flavor when made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked beef and gravy up to 3 months, thaw overnight before reheating gently.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need